Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
by revelation—not from being absolutely dependent on the apostles at Jerusalem, but by independent divine "revelation." Quite consistent with his at the same time, being a deputy from the Church of Antioch, as Acts 15:2 states. He by this revelation was led to suggest the sending of the deputation. Compare the case of Peter being led by vision, and at the same time by Cornelius' messengers, to go to Cæsarea, Acts 10:1-22.
I . . . communicated unto them—namely, "to the apostles and elders" (Acts 15:2): to the apostles in particular (Galatians 2:9).
privately—that he and the apostles at Jerusalem might decide previously on the principles to be adopted and set forward before the public council (Acts 15:1-29). It was necessary that the Jerusalem apostles should know beforehand that the Gospel Paul preached to the Gentiles was the same as theirs, and had received divine confirmation in the results it wrought on the Gentile converts. He and Barnabas related to the multitude, not the nature of the doctrine they preached (as Paul did privately to the apostles), but only the miracles vouchsafed in proof of God's sanctioning their preaching to the Gentiles (Acts 15:12).
to them . . . of reputation—James, Cephas, and John, and probably some of the "elders"; Galatians 2:6, "those who seemed to be somewhat."
lest, etc.—"lest I should be running, or have run, in vain"; that is, that they might see that I am not running, and have not run, in vain. Paul does not himself fear lest he be running, or had run, in vain; but lest he should, if he gave them no explanation, seem so to them. His race was the swift-running proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles (compare "run," Margin, for "Word . . . have free course," II Thessalonians 3:1). His running would have been in vain, had circumcision been necessary, since he did not require it of his converts.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Galatians 2:2:
Acts 15:4
2 Corinthians 6:1
Galatians 2:9
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